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Threads of control

Understanding sources of censorial power in translation

ORCID logo | KU Leuven
This article delves into the intricate relationship between translation and censorship, unraveling the multifaceted tapestry woven by historical, societal, economic, and personal threads. Exploring the genealogy of censorship, the study identifies four distinct sources of censorial power — state and religious institutions, social structures, market forces, and individual idiosyncrasies. From the overt regulatory mechanisms of totalitarian regimes to the subtle influences of structural censorship and market-driven constraints, the article navigates the challenges posed to freedom of expression within the dynamic realm of translation. Drawing from historical examples and theoretical frameworks, the discussion highlights the impact of censorship on translators and translated works, illustrating how institutional, societal, economic, and personal forces shape communicative landscapes. By scrutinizing these diverse facets, this article offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding translation censorship, encouraging ongoing examination of the ever-evolving forces shaping the world of translation.
Keywords: translation, censorship, institutional censorship, structural censorship, market censorship
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1What is censorship?
    • 1.2Censorship in translated vs. non-translated literature
  • 2.The genealogy of censorship
    • 2.1State and religious institutions
    • 2.2Social structures
    • 2.3Market forces
    • 2.4Individual idiosyncrasies
  • 3.Concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgments
  • Note
  • References
Available under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 license.

For any use beyond this license, please contact the publisher at [email protected].

Published online: 7 October 2024
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https://doi.org/10.1075/forum.24002.kar
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